Lake Show Life details why Kobe is spending some time in the Philippines: “The Philippines is among the many hoops crazed nations currently on the rise. In recent years Kobe has taken a moment out of his summer to help spread the gospel of basketball in the Philippines. Last summer KB24 did a web series in the Philippines and currently he’s in the midst of a five city tour conducting basketball clinics.”

Gary Lee of Lakers Nation provides evidence that coming to Los Angeles has been very good for Ron Metta World Peace Artest: Coming to Los Angeles has probably been one of the best career moves by Metta World Peace. Consider the amount of hardware he’s been able to pick up since his arrival – the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, an NBA championship ring and now another plaque to honor World Peace’s efforts in raising awareness for mental health issues.

Eddie Maisonet of SLAMOnline argues that Kobe, Kevin Garnett and Dwyane Wade should be fighting to end the lockout like a few NFL superstars: Look, Kobe is on the brink of cementing a top-five of all time legacy. If the man were able to bring home a sixth ring to his trophy case, the Kobe Stans are going to scream to the heavens that he’s the best of all time. The prognosticators will begin to question should he be placed into the pantheon of elite players that since Jordan retired, has been unquestioned. So Kobe wants to consider going to Europe? For what? There’s nothing for him to prove there. Isn’t this your quest, in your journey, to be the greatest of all time? You can’t lose a year now, you’ve got to at least give the ‘Mike Brown era’ a chance first. And, as the face of the of “The Association” your voice should be respected and appreciated at the negotiating table and if that doesn’t work then do that crazy overbite you do in the fourth quarter all the time. That’ll put some fear in their hearts to end this.

Kobe would really enjoy the adulation of Filipino fans and hoopsters. Basketball is their national sport even before Kobe was born. Unfortunately, there are only few who are above 6’5″ and they’re playing Center or a 4.

Yeah, why not play the rookies as starters? Trey and Darius (tho we’ve not seen the latter play) if given enought exposure and confidence, they will learn and make adjustments in the long run. Among the fast PG’s today that’s how they all started. Unfortunately, in Jackson’s playbook there’s one year internment for all rookies while liberal treatment on slow-footed veterans.

9,
Good players play and bad players don’t (unless you are the head of the PA) no matter how old they are. Few second round picks make NBA teams let alone start. The odds of a middle second round pick helping an NBA squad at PG is less than one percent. Traditionally the only second round picks that help teams at PG are guys that played shooting guard before going pro and dumb teams couldn’t figure out you can play athletic short SGs at PG in the league… Ala Gilbert Arenus and Monte Ellis.

10. Aaron. I disagree. There have been some really good players in the 2nd round, and a good number of 2nd round PGs who contribute. I agree that most of these examples lean more towards “combo” guards, but they are nonetheless manning the PG spot or have done so on a starting or solid rotation basis. Here are a few: (slow day at work).

All 2nd round picks. Not all of them are “stars,” but it illustrates that almost each year, there are some 2nd round PGs who are contributors. At this point, Lakers would welcome Morris and G-Lock to contribute, which I believe they can.

I think timelines matter here. I’m not sure Morris or Goudelock will help next year. Maybe in spot minutes or specific situations, but as a steady nightly contributor that will fill in the gaps between the current guys on the roster – I don’t see it.

However, in future seasons, I do believe they can become players that help. But, only time will tell on that. I just want to caution against hoping for too much production from these guys next season.

I’m wondering how many of those players got steady minutes as a rookie, and amongst the few who did, I don’t think their teams were championship contenders, like the Lakers will be next season. Can the Lakers afford to patient when it comes to developing players, when they are built to win now? This team needs a starting PG, and unless the team trades for one, Mike Brown might be forced to play Fish and the rookies more minutes than they deserve.

How many guys were in the top 10 out of HS, drafted in the 1st round and then flamed out,or never played big min in the league. What encourages me about Morris and AG is that they have made steady progress over the last few years,showing that they are dedicated to the game and willing to work hard at it. We know Kobe is dedicated,and it won`t hurt to have 2 more players out of the same mold.

!st Rd Draft may be effective on the first 10 picks, afterwards it is a beauty contest based on team needs, therefore it’s possible good players are left out and slipped on the 2nd round. However, their survival in NBA depends on the player themselves. To add what DY contributed, I looked at a 10 year 2nd round draft picks, players who played major role for their team or after they were traded.

I know it has nothing to do with the thread here, but there’s a Brian Shaw interview/podcast up at the Land O’lakers that’s well worth listening to. My copy/link skills have gone oddly missing but check it out if you get a chance.. it’s the newest post.